Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek

Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

  • Trek through the mountains and the jungle to conquer the majestic Machu Picchu

  • Visit the ancient lake and coffee farms and get a chance to brew your own coffee

  • Explore the diverse landscapes

ONLINE BOOKING IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE ON FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM FOR TOURS OF MACHU PICCHU DUE TO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON TICKET SALES, MOST OTHER TOURS ARE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE ONLINE. PLEASE CONTACT THE OPERATOR DIRECTLY TO RESERVE YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND MENTION FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM SENDING THEM A LINK TO THIS PAGE TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST PRICE AS SHOWN HERE.

AVAILABILITY

March to December

DURATION

4 days

START LOCATION

Cusco hotel and hostel pickup

END LOCATION

CUSCO

OPERATOR NAME

SAM TRAVEL PERU

START TIME

05:00

ONLINE BOOKING NOT AVAILABLE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – APACHETA PASS – SALKANTAY LAKE – HUAYRACMACHAY

We will collect you at 4:30 am from your hotel lobby and drive for 3 hours in our private van to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel through curvy roads in the Andes, there are views of the villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous spectacular snowcapped Salkantay Mountain. At the trailhead (Soraypampa), we have our breakfast while enjoying the views of the Humantay (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/ 20,396ft) Mountain glaciers. We gradually climb through Andean valley landscapes before arriving at Sorococcha (4,400m / 14,517ft) for lunch. Onwards and upwards for one more hour, we reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). We are breathless with the most spectacular views of snowcapped mountains such as Salkantay(6,277m / 20,717ft), Humantay, Huayanay, spectacular rivers of whitewater, and small scenic lakes. A short 35-minute hike takes us to the turquoise Salkantay Lake. After lunch, we have a one hour zig-zag uphill hike by switchback and arrive at our first campsite at Soroccocha located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain. Then, you can relax with a coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying the amazing views.

Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Tents for every 2 people for space and comfort
Distance: 14kms / 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 2: HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA

After a scrumptious breakfast, we descend for 3 hours toward the rural community of Chayllayand. Along the way, you will enjoy the refreshing lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. After lunch, we walk for 5 hours through the beginning of the Peruvian cloud forest, enjoying fruit bearing trees and varied flora and birds. Enjoy the view of undulating hills of coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. Next, we arrive at Lucmabamba, where we spend the second night (2,050m/6,767ft). Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to experience the source of Peruvian coffee exportation, forging a connection to the real world of Peruvian coffee. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own. Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience. However, it does not end there. Engulfed in fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems from beginning to end. After picking our fresh produce for our dinner, our trekking chef prepares it for us.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Tents for every 2 people for space and comfort
Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: LA PLAYA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

After the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, we continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will not believe the incredible views and long valleys reaching into the distance with their fruit plantations. We finally arrive at Llactapata Inca Ruins; located right across the valley front Machu Picchu. There, we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu from far away and its surrounding mountains Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, and the Aobamba Canyon. From there we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco, where we have lunch. Then we take the train for a half hour to Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and go to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
Time: Approximately 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast to take the bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins. Once inside the citadel, we will be provided with a guided 2-hour tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or hike to the Sun Gate. On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, the urban areas, agricultural terraces and many different types of architecture. Then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes around noon, you will have time for a leisurely lunch in Aguas Calientes and we return to Cusco on the Expedition train which departs at 14:55pm for Ollantaytambo. A private van will be waiting to bring you the rest of the way to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening around 7:00 PM.

Meal: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy

ONLINE BOOKING IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE ON FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM FOR TOURS OF MACHU PICCHU DUE TO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON TICKET SALES, ALL OTHER TOURS ARE AVAILABLE TO BOOK HERE ONLINE.

PLEASE CONTACT THE OPERATOR DIRECTLY TO RESERVE YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOUR AND MENTION FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM SENDING THEM A LINK TO THIS PAGE TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST PRICE AS SHOWN HERE

TOUR TICKETS (MAY VARY BY DATE)
Ticket Price(USD)
ADULT 547.00 (USD)
TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: 4.30AM

CUSCO HOTEL PICK UP


DAY 1:

SORAYPAMPA – APACHETA PASS – SALKANTAY LAKE – HUAYRACMACHAY


DAY 2:

HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA


DAY 3:

LA PLAYA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES


DAY 4:

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO


INCLUDED

- Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the trek's departure
- Mini-bus from Cusco to Soraypampa (the starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment, such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Mini-bus from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (tourist restaurant )
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen - 7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Inflatable mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

NOT INCLUDED

- Sleeping bag, adequate for temperature of minus 10°C ($20 for the duration of the trek)
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- One-way bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes (it can be hiked)
- Extra activities such as zip line and barbecues
- Additional horse for extra personal luggage, in addition to the one for personal item allowance
- Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
- Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide (SAM TRAVEL PERU's staff receive fair and decent payments immediately after they end their trip. However, tips are of great appreciation for them)

RECOMMENDED

- A lightweight, waterproof day pack, with a change of clothes for the whole trek (must not exceed 7 kilos)
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures of minus 10°C (available to rent for $20 for the duration of the trek)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothes and trekking pants (trousers)
- Layers of clothes, including thermals, for variable temperatures especially at night
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Camera with extra film and batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Woollen socks, gloves, scarf, and woollen hat for cold nights
- Insect repellent
- Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
- Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
- Water bottles and water purifying tablets (optional)
- Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
- Walking sticks
- Snacks
- Inflatable mattress
- Toilet paper
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Swimming costume
- Original passport and ISIC card if is applicable

CANCELLATION POLICY

No online booking at the moment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  1. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

    This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation

  2. What is the difference between Salkantay and the Inca Jungle Trek?

    Salkantay is full-on trekking, whereas the Inca Jungle mixes trekking, rafting, mountain biking and other activities.

  3. How physically fit do I need to be?

    The Salkantay Trek can range in difficulty, however most are classified as a moderate level. The Machu Picchu complex itself is not difficult, and most people do not have any problems.

  4. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

    Take Soroche (Diamox) pills, eat small meals, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol (it’s a dehydrator). The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach for acclimatization is to ascend gradually, spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000ft increase in altitude.

  5. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

    Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover, and may include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache (that is not relieved by medication), nausea and vomiting, and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

  6. Are there any student discounts?

    Yes, there is a student discount. These discounts are only valid if you have an ISIC card and it matches your passport. They are very strict with this. You must bring your original I.D. to enter Machu Picchu.

  7. Where is Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is near a town called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. From there, it is a 1.5 hour hike up steps, or a 20-minute bus ride to the complex itself.

  8. Where is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

    Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. It costs approximately $10 extra.

  9. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

    Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled sights of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The trek is wide and well-marked. It is a moderate/challenging trek and takes 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 800 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately. It costs around $5 extra.

  10. What are the hours of operation?

    The site is open daily from 6am until 5pm. It’s open every day of the year, including public holidays, Christmas and New Year.

  11. Why is the train so expensive?

    Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two operators which have a duopoly on the route, so they can maintain very high prices.

  12. Where can I leave my bags?

    You can leave your bags at your Cusco hostel/hotel. Note, if you take the train there are bag restrictions.

  13. Is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu worth it?

    The walk up to Machu Picchu can be seen as part of the experience. However, the bus is an option for those who are tired after a long trek, or who just want to save their energy for all the walking at the top.

  14. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than Cusco. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

  15. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

    Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

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